Muscle tightness is somewhat of a vicious cycle. It both causes pain on its own, as well as aggravates other parts of the body by tensing up in anticipation of pain. Fortunately, many of our patients find acupuncture helpful for both decreasing pain and relaxing the body overall.
At Rehability, our physical therapists gently insert needles both at the place of stiffness, and at distant parts of the body that control different pathways to healing, such as the glandular system.
According to Spine Health, “Acupuncture is considered a safe medical treatment. For this reason, many physicians and practitioners believe that acupuncture is a beneficial treatment as an adjunct to other medical treatments, and/or as an alternative to medical treatments. In certain situations, acupuncture may be used in combination with conventional painkillers, or to replace them all together.”
To learn more about acupuncture and how it can benefit you, contact Rehability today!
Acupuncture and muscle tension
Over time, some people experience a build-up of scar tissue on the connective tissues that join the nerves and muscles. These adhesions often cause a general stiffening up of the affected muscle groups because they become fused to one another. As a result, other muscle groups that rush in to support the failing ones also become overworked, resulting in more discomfort.
Our skilled physical therapists will find these adhesions and adjust your treatments if some muscles are relaxing and others aren’t. Applying needles directly to the areas of adhesion on the connective tissue helps dissolve these buildups by improving blood circulation and healing endorphins.
The healing release of acupuncture
By relieving natural painkillers in the body, acupuncture needles help short-circuit the loop of pain and stiffness from anticipating pain. Acupuncture releases healing compounds, including:
- Endorphin release. These mood-boosting and pain-suppressing opioid neuropeptides are released by your nervous system. It occurs by stimulation, such as exercise and acupuncture therapy. With acupuncture, you will experience pain relief and easing of muscle tension in the area most directly related to your pain. Just as importantly, the areas that were working harder to support the original source of stiffness will also be relaxed.
- Neurohormone production. Substances like dopamine are released by your body’s glandular system through strategic placement of acupuncture needles. The needles stimulate the glands so that their secretion is regulated in a more pain-suppressing manner. Dopamine also plays a role in relieving muscular and emotional tension, further enhancing the effects of the acupuncture treatment.
Find relief for your muscle tension today!
If you are experiencing sore or painful muscles, acupuncture can help. Contact Rehability to schedule a consultation and get started on the first steps toward a comfortable and pain-free life!
